Tony Garner, Liam Wood, Matthew Lee, Rebecca White, David Birks and Richard Baker pushed themselves to the limit in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, Children’s Hospice and East Anglian Air Ambulance.

They completed the 19-mile kayak into a gale force 5-6 head wind in six hours 15 minutes.

The firefighters received training from Hunstanton Kayaks, who provided kayaks and sponsored the event.

They were accompanied by Gary Morgan and Andy Coleman, who were both on jet ski support duty.

Mr Garner said: “The challenge was very hard and we all needed to be physically fit to finish it.

“Digging deep into our reserve tanks was critical to keep going with plenty of grit and determination thrown in.

“The winds and cross current made things very hard through the middle stages but we all knew that this was a challenge that would test the best of people.

“We are looking at a final total of around £600 – £700 pounds for each charity.”

You can still donate to help them reach their target of £3,000 at www.virgin money giving/tonygarner

Councillor James Palmer, leader of East Cambridgeshire District Council, has thrown his hat in the ring to become the new Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, with hopes to “improve infrastructure and provide high quality housing for all”.